26 essentials to host a great dinner party

Michael Hession

Whether you’re throwing a big bash or hosting an intimate meal, this is what you’ll need to go from cocktail hour to coffee and dessert with ease. Our picks—from classy coupe glasses to gorgeous serving platters—can go a long way to make the place feel fancy.

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What else is going on

An assortment of our under-$50 gift ideas.

Budget-friendly gift ideas

Our journalists spend thousands of hours researching items so we can recommend the very best come holiday season. Here’s our roundup of great (and tested!) gift ideas under $50.

A mirror and a framed print hanging on a wall.

How to hang heavy stuff

Installing a shelf, TV, or curtain rod? Here are the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and the gear you can ditch entirely to get the job done.

A blender that has just been used to make a fruit smoothie, next to a cup full of smoothie, on a kitchen counter.

The easiest way to clean a blender

The trick is to let the motor do most of the work for you—especially to get the stuff that sticks to the underside of the blade. Here’s our quick guide.

30 dAYS OF GIFTS

For the around-the-house helper

Even seasoned handypeople don’t always have the best tools for the job. This screwdriver works faster with less effort, thanks to a smooth ratcheting mechanism and 12 bits conveniently nestled inside the handle.

Get the 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver

Today’s best deals

Victrola Eastwood Signature Record Player

Deal price: $80 | Street price: $100

Price reflects in-cart for members (free to join)

This no-setup turntable is the best option if you want the least expensive all-in-one record player that still sounds decent.

Buy now from Bloomingdale’s

Catan Board Game

Deal price: $25 | Street price: $45

This iconic civilization-building board game is strategic, interactive, and fun to play. The rounds tend to go long, though, so keep snacks on hand and settle in for a competitive game night.

Buy now from Amazon

Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Coffee Maker

Deal price: $59 | Street price: $73

Our also-great cheap coffee maker pick makes consistent, flavorful, and hot brews. Its compact, no-frills design looks good in small spaces.

Buy now from Amazon

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

Deal price: $89 | Street price: $120

The 2nd-generation Apple Pencil is the absolute best stylus money can buy. It offers premium features, like universal pressure sensitivity and magnetic charging.

Buy now from Amazon

For more deals on our picks, check out the Wirecutter Deals page.

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26 essentials to host a great dinner party

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